Just like eyeglasses, contact lenses are used to correct common eye conditions like short-sightedness, far-sightedness and even astigmatism.
Regular lenses are usually clear and transparent and they come in a variety of brands, types as well as a myriad of colors, including hazel, green, blue, violet, amethyst and gray. Typically, they are corrective in nature and prescribed for people who need vision correction.
If, on the other hand, you don’t need any eye correction but still would like the option of using colored contacts, there are what is known as non prescription color contact lenses.
These colored lenses are available with zero corrective powers and are extremely popular because you can enhance or alter the aesthetic color of your eyes. From brown to blue, blue to green, green to purple almost instantly.
However, buying non prescription colored contacts may not be as convenient as you think. Whether they are used for corrective or cosmetic reasons, you’re still required to have a valid prescription when you purchase them.
Though non prescription contacts are typically plano lenses and non corrective in nature, these lenses are NOT the “one size fits all” type since the base curve of the eyes differs from one person to another. That is why you need a qualified eye care specialist to measure your eyes and recommend the right diameter of the lens that fits properly as well as the right types of lens.
The four (4) types of color contacts are: visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light-filtering tints.
- A visibility tint, as the name implies, doesn’t affect your eye color but visible enough to help you see it better when inserting or removing it from your eye. It is a very light tint in a shade of blue or green.
- An enhancement tint is a a little darker than a visibility tint yet translucent tint that does affect eye color. It’s often worn to enhance the natural color of your eyes. These types of lens are usually best used by people who have light colored eyes and want to make their eye color more appealing.
- Opaque color tints are solid colored tints that can dramatically change your eye color. If you have dark eyes, you’ll need this type of colored lens to change your eye color for special occasions or events like the Halloween party.
- Light-filtering tints are a newer types of lens. Designed primarily for use in sports, because they enhance certain colors such as optic yellow, golf balls, etc. by way of muting the surrounding colors. As a result, the ball stands out against the background and is much easier to see.
So where to buy non prescription colored contacts? While it is easy to buy color contact lenses online if you have an active prescription, getting the non prescription ones can be tricky at time. At the time of this writing, you can order colored contacts from Amazon without the need for a valid prescription. It costs anywhere $18 – $20 a pair, delivered anywhere within US, Canada, Europe and Asia with no extra shipping fees.
No matter what, colored or not, it is advised that you get a prescription from your eye doctor before purchasing a pair of color contact lenses without prescription – even if you have a perfect 20/20 vision.
Remember, color lenses, like clear contact lenses, must be properly cleaned and disinfected with appropriate lens cleaning solution. If you’re unsure, always consult your eye doctor for the proper use and care of your contact lenses.
